2016 Board Candidates, South Central Zone

mreaadminBalance Local Control, Opportunity Gap, Other Rural Issues

The following individuals have applied for the open position of At-Large Representative for the South Central Zone on the 2016 MREA Board of Directors. To qualify, they must be a resident or staff of an MREA member district in the South Central Zone. At-Large Representative Douglas Brands Worthington, Teacher I am currently in my 17th year of teaching high school math. I have been … Read More

2016 Board Vacancies, North Central Zone

mreaadminBalance Local Control, Opportunity Gap, Other Rural Issues

The following individuals have applied for two open positions — Administrator and Teacher — for the North Central Zone on the 2016 MREA Board of Directors. To qualify, they must serve as an administrator (superintendent, principal, curriculum director, etc.) or a teacher for an MREA member district. School Administrator Representative Lance Bagstad Park Rapids, Superintendent I am currently the superintendent of … Read More

Coming Together for Concurrent Enrollment

mreaadmin2016 Legislative Issues, Career and College Readiness, Opportunity Gap

When faced with a complex problem in public administration that requires a solution, management experts advise nearly unanimously to “get the stakeholders together in a room and work out solutions.” Minnesota Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius has said the department’s working groups have been successful because they get bright people together who are committed to solving the problem. Protecting Early College through … Read More

Early Learning Listening Sessions Coming Near You

mreaadminEarly Learning, Other Rural Issues

The Minnesota Department of Education, in partnership with the Minnesota Initiative Foundations and Minnesota’s Future, is holding regional community listening sessions across the state this November. The aim is to learn how the state can be more effective in linking policies, programs and practices to ensure every child in Minnesota has a high-quality early education. Learn more or register. The key questions … Read More

3 Reasons Rural Counties Are Vibrant

mreaadminOpportunity Gap, Other Rural Issues

An analysis of Minnesota’s population trends released by MREA today shows the classic picture of the glass is half empty, the glass is half full. While the number of people is declining in many of the state’s rural counties, they are rated among the best places to grow up and the vitality and potential remain vibrant. Half Full Three pieces … Read More

Plan to Attend MREA Annual Meeting

mreaadminOther Rural Issues

MREA will host its 2015 Annual Meeting for school district, associate and individual members on Nov. 17  in conjunction with the 2015 Annual Conference. MREA 2015 Annual Meeting Tuesday, Nov. 17 9:00 am Event Center, Cragun’s Resort Brainerd, Minnesota Members will vote on the Board-recommended 2016 Legislative Platform and any proposed By-Laws changes. They will also hear from candidates running … Read More

Conference Procrastinator Rates Start Sunday

mreaadminAchievement Gap, American Indian, Broadband Access, Early Learning, Opportunity Gap, Other Rural Issues, Quality Teachers, Teacher Development, Teacher Shortages

There’s still time to register for MREA’s 2015 Annual Conference, but do it soon — procrastinator rates kick in Sunday. Starting November 1, registrants will pay a late fee to register for the conference. In just three weeks, more than 350 education professionals from across Minnesota will gather  at Cragun’s Resort for Great Beginnings: When Learning Starts Early, Inspires and Applies. The event is three days of … Read More

New Grant Supports MN Behavioral Health Clinics

mreaadminOpportunity Gap

Minnesota was recently awarded over $980,000 to support Community Behavioral Health Clinics. The grant was awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and announced October 20 by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken. The investment in planning efforts will “strengthen community-based mental and substance use disorder clinics,” according to a press release from Klobuchar. Klobuchar  introduced … Read More

MDE Hosts Early Learning Listening Sessions

mreaadminAchievement Gap, Early Learning, Opportunity Gap

The Minnesota Department of Education, in partnership with the Minnesota Initiative Foundations and Minnesota’s Future, is holding regional community listening sessions to learn how they can be more effective in linking policies, programs and practices to ensure every child in Minnesota has a high-quality early education. Information and themes that arise will be shared with the Minnesota Departments of Education, … Read More

What's Next for Concurrent Enrollment in Minnesota

mreaadminCapitol Insider Blog, Career and College Readiness

The Minnesota Joint Higher Education Committee held a hearing on Thursday in front of a packed audience on the newly required rules by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for concurrent enrollment (or dual-credit) high school teachers. The St. Paul Pioneer Press described the ire of Minnesota’s K-12 community. Learn more about the hearing. Proponents of the HLC decision see it as … Read More